Jen’ll Tell Ya Featuring

Jen Redpath & Jessica Terezakis

MythBusters! Sexual Health Edition

At Options, we are passionate about providing current evidencebased information so that our clients can make informed decisions about their sexual health. Here are just a few misconceptions that we commonly see at the clinic.

It is easy to tell if someone has an Sexually Transmitted Illness (STI)

False: Testing is the only reliable way to tell if someone has an STI. Most STIs are actually asymptomatic or show no symptoms. We recommend getting tested between new partners and/or every 3-6 months if sexually active. Condoms and other latex barriers reduce the risk of STIs, but they are not 100% effective, which is why screenings are a vital part of safer sex. Give us a call for an appointment!

The Morning After Pill is just like an abortion.

False: The Morning After Pill or Emergency Contraception (EC) is a form of birth control, not an abortion. It is designed to prevent pregnancy and only works before conception occurs. It is important to remember that pregnancy does not happen instantly, which is why the Morning After Pill can be taken within 120 hours or 5 days of unprotected sex. However, it is most effective when taken as early as possible.

EC works by preventing or delaying the release of an egg and changing the environment of the vagina to make it more difficult for sperm to reach the egg. It does not terminate existing pregnancies.

Not having or wanting sex is unhealthy or abnormal

False: Abstaining from sex or even living a completely celibate life is normal and for many folks completely healthy. Healthy sexual expressions are about choice and if someone chooses to abstain from sexual relationships for a period of time or for their whole lifethat is totally okay! What is unhealthy is when someone feels like they have to engage in sexual activity before they are ready or if they are uninterested. There are many people who live fulfilling lives without sexual relationships, for example, those who are Ace or Asexual.

Douching is the only way to keep the vagina clean

False: Fun fact, the vagina is self-cleaning! That is why it is unnecessary to use soaps, douches, or other scented cleansers which can affect the vagina’s PH level and lead to bacterial infections like Bacterial Vaginosis (BV). The best way to keep the vagina clean is to gently wash the external vulva (the outside parts) with warm water or an unscented soap with their fingers or a clean washcloth.

The clinic is open Tuesdays from 4:30-6:30 pm at the Core Inn. We can be reached at (250) 537-8786 or opt.ssi@gmail.com

For questions or resources, check out our Sex Sense line at https://www.optionsforsexualhealth.org/sex-sense/

Stay Sexy Salty!

Options for Sexual Health is open on Tuesdays from 4:30-6:30 pm. For appointments, please call (250)537-8786 or email opt.ssi@gmail.com